Engineers eye county building plans

VINTON - Two firms gave their views on building possibilities for Benton County at the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the courthouse in Vinton.

For several months the board has been looking into renovating the former Department of Human Services (DHS) building, buying additional buildings, building new facilities and moving offices due to address privacy needs, security and other aspects for the county. They are researching this so they can have a dollar amount for the budget next year.

Shive-Hattery officials met with the board at the courthouse in Vinton. They said it would cost $150 to $170 per square foot for a single-story new building. Two stories is $260 per square foot. The county is looking at 4,800 square feet for the existing building, putting the price tag at $800,000. For two stories, it would be $2.5 million at 9,600 square feet.

They recommended repurposing the building, or tearing it down and starting a new building. They also listed concerns about the existing roof, security, the interior, and the facade. One positive is that the county owns the building. They also said a new building would mean long-term savings.

Shive-Hattery officials also listed the advantages and disadvantages of the current space being rented for the DHS. It is fairly new, but it is not located downtown and near the courthouse like the old DHS building.

Supervisor Todd Wiley felt the community would be better off without the old building. Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer said the board now has a good feel on what needs to be done. He added that having an empty building sitting there is not doing anyone any favors. The board needs to sell it as is and demolish it, he said. Then they can decide if they need to pursue construction.

Frontier

A resolution was approved to support an application by Frontier Co-op. Kate Robertson, BDG Director, presented the request. The application is for the innovation center at the Norway property. Nicole Erickson, Director of Finance for Frontier, said the focus is on innovation for personal care, as well as food and flavoring. Solar panels are going up in three of their four facilities. They are also working on a new storage warehouse for flammable liquids.

The state approved the high quality jobs application last fall, Robertson said, pending a local match. The total abatement they are seeking for five years is $164,250. This will be the match for the county.

This should create two new jobs at $21.49 per hour, and they will move seven other jobs to the area, creating additional jobs to cover the people who moved to the new center. Frontier had about 500 jobs in four centers, with three centers in Benton County.

The supervisors appreciated that Frontier was expanding within the county.

Other business

Business property tax credits for 2016 and 2017 were approved. For 2016, there were 19 new, 22 signed up again, and 21 were removed. For 2017, there were 50 new, 53 signed up again and 62 removed from the tax credits. The tax credits will be given as long as the state can pay for them.

Laurie Worden of Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection discussed the connection’s budget allocation for next year. She gave an update on the changes required for workplace education and how they have impacted community colleges, especially the push for more skilled workers. They work on job shadowing and worksite tours. They work to connect young people between their skills, interests and passions and what they will do tomorrow. It also influences their decision to live and work in Eastern Iowa, making them aware of the opportunities in their own back yard. They asked for a contribution of $2,566, or 10 cents per capita. They currently contribute at 5 cents per $1,000. Wiley indicated this should not be a problem.

A land use hearing was held for John C. Dennis for land in Section 2, Florence Township. The request was approved.

And update was given on Eastern Iowa Tourism. They emphasized looking at travelIowa.com for tourism opportunities in Iowa, and urged posting events to the site for free. The county gives $500 annually.

Vacation carryover was approved for Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek.

The afternoon was spent going over budgets for various county offices. Budgets covered were maintenance, sanitarian/health, treasurer, recorder and relief/MHDD.

A security policy was approved for disclosure of security-related information.

Adam Rodenburg of the Watershed Management Agency gave an update for the Middle Cedar. The area received $11.2 million and Benton County is the fiscal agent. They are working on planning and practices to reduce flooding and improve water quality.